I want to get my 10 year old son on the rope. He has been asking for a while. We live in central NC and I'm thinking about Linville Gorge/ Table Rock. for the few 5.4 and 5.5 climbs. That is about his level and I could free solo a pitch or 2 if I had to......not really ideal ...........I would like something I can easily set a top rope.

Pilot and Crowder's are probably the best in NC for TR. Not many other places have top access, especially at those grades. Table Rock has many climbs that are sport, mixed, and trad at those grades, but they need to be led. Good luck. Don't forget there is also a lot of bouldering in Asheboro, Linville, and the Bald.

Take them wherever you would normally go. At 10, they should be able to carry their own gear, water and food. If they don't want a long approach, then choose one of the more craglike areas (Crowder's, Pilot).

If it's there first climb, take a 3rd for multi-pitch. They could wig and you'll need the extra set of hands to safely unwind them.

Pilot rock (not pilot mountain) in pisgah would work. Its a slab with top ropes 5.2-5.5 you would need to solo them to set up but the climbing is easy. It is about a mile approach. Get the new cedar rock guide for better details.

Also, the Chimneys about half a mile south of the Table Rock Picnic Area are great for easy top-roping that can be accessed by walking to the top. I don't know of any topos or anything like that, but I've been out there with groups and not had trouble finding stuff to rig TRs on. It's way prettier than Pilot, too.